Counting Down Until The End Of Lockdown- Looking Forward, Post-Covid

What are you looking forward to once lockdown ends and covid goes away?

I need to get out of this house, go away lockdown! These past two years have been a lot to deal with emotionally but throwing Covid in the mix is not ideal.

Although I am very much OVER lockdown, I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learnt thus far while counting to count my blessings.

Now, I have many things to look forward to doing once we go back to ‘normalcy’, whatever that may look like.

Lockdown #1

We officially went into lockdown #1 (in the UK) on March 23 2020. Before the announcement of the first national lockdown, people started to panic buy.

It was hectic! My stepdad and I went to the grocery store at 6 am one weekday morning. I honestly thought going at that time was ideal as it would be quiet as the store had just opened. Oh, how we were wrong.

The line of customers went all around the car park; it was chaos! I still wonder why people went crazy for toilet paper.

I do not like crowds and I tend to avoid it because it makes me anxious.

If you too battle with anxiety; check out my post: 7 Effective Ways To Cope With Anxiety.

Due to this, I began limiting my grocery shop to maybe once a month. Once the lockdown was in place. The first couple of weeks were super quiet. There were hardly any cars on the road (which is very rare in my area). I loved it!

It was quiet nosy in my area so to be silent; it was bliss. I enjoyed it!

However, I was heartbroken about the gym being closed; I loved being at home. I felt overwhelmed with my busy schedule so there and a few weeks at home were right on time and very much needed (so I thought).

A couple of weeks turned into months. And we began to get the ‘I’m bored in the house, and I’m in the house bored’ itch.

Honestly, I was just happy to be outside for my birthday. Initially, I planned to go to Greece for my 25th birthday, but I’ll take going to dinner!

Lockdown #2

From the end of lockdown #1 to the beginning of lockdown #2, I went through an emotional rollercoaster. I was very upper and down, so I contacted my doctor, and I had several CBT sessions; cognitive behavioural therapy.

If you would like to know more about my experience of CBT, click here.

Aside from that, I completed my master’s degree (YAY!!), I met up with my friends (let the good times roll), and I worked (only a couple of shifts but it was better than nothing). I was ready to get my foot in the streets and get the money in the bank, honey!

However, work wasn’t picking up as I hoped it would, I seriously thought that I would have a permanent job, working in a school as a special educational needs teaching assistant. I studied a teaching assistant course; I was ready to put what I learned to the test! But due to Covid, many schools were not too keen on hiring new people which is completely understandable.

Back to the drawing board I go!

Lockdown #3

Alas, we got to go outside but with new restrictions in place as we adapt to the new tier system. Sadly, the gym closed again, BOO! Along with that, Christmas was cancelled, well sort of. Households were allowed to meet on Christmas day only, which was nice as I saw my dad and brother I hadn’t seen for a few months.

Mentally, I was beyond over 2020. I wasn’t getting any work (of course, schools were closed). I applied for several jobs and didn’t receive any response for most of the roles I used for, which was super frustrating.

I felt stuck. Where do I go from here?!

Although I was consistent with my self-care routine, I felt a bit frustrated, which is ok as these are strange, strange times which we couldn’t have predicted. So I need to cut myself some slack and focus on ME, and not everything else is going on around me.

I re-read one of my favourite books: The Secret. It made me feel good! I needed that boost; I needed a reminder of what I believe my soul purpose is and go for it!

In the meantime, I continued to think of my why and things I am looking forward to doing once this is said and done.

Things I am looking forward to post covid

Continuing to push myself outside of my comfort zone

One of my goals for 2020 was to attend more events.

I like to stick to a routine (Type A personality, hello). I wanted to change that once in a while and be in a new uncomfortable situation that will push me.

Events regarding personal development and business interest me as well as hearing peoples story and evolution.

Due to covid, many events were cancelled or postponed until future notice.

If I’m honest, being at home has pushed me back into my shell, just a little bit. I worked so hard to expand my horizons and try new things. I did it before so that I can do it again! I am excited to see how it will challenge me.

Travel

I love, love and miss travelling! I believe that almost every year on this earth, I have been on an aeroplane. I love it! I love learning about new cultures, foods and lifestyles of different places.

This world (although crazy at times) it is beautiful. Travel if you can and do so safely; with precaution. Make sure you check what the covid restrictions are.

Spending time with loved ones

I miss hanging out with my loved ones. A favourite thing that my friends and I do are eat! We love food, and we love having a good time. It is important to have friends; it does a number for our wellbeing. Read this post to find out why!

Pre covid, I wished I spent more time with my friends. I understand that we were all busy, but I should have made more effort to see them!

I will make sure to make up for the lost times when it is safe to do so.

Take away

It is clear that we don’t know covid will be completely gone, but we need to make sure we continue to live our lives the best possible.

We need to be appreciative of the things we can still do.

In the meantime, we can still make a list of things we will do once we can do. I hope you don’t lose sight of what you see for yourself and your purpose.

Be kind to yourself, always.

Thanks for reading, take care and stay safe.

XO

Tagged covid, covid 19, lifestyle, lockdown, lockdown #1, lockdown #2, lockdown #3, quarantine, self-care, wellness